Protective Actions

Tornado WATCH - Issued to alert the public that conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. You should monitor local news and your weather radio.

Tornado WARNING - Issued by local National Weather Service offices to warn the public that a tornado has been sighted by storm spotters or has been indicated by radar. These warnings are issued with information concerning where the tornado is presently located and what communities are in the anticipated path of the tornado. You should go into a secure room of your house and remain away from windows or screen doors until the warning expires.

Tornado EMERGENCY - An exceedingly rare tornado warning issued when there is a severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage from an imminent or ongoing tornado. This tornado warning is reserved for situations when a reliable source confirms a tornado, or there is clear radar evidence of the existence of a damaging tornado, such as the observation of debris.